Blue Reef / Debbie II (Wreck) - Aruba Leeward Coast

Forget the 'ladies' pool' vibe from the site description, Eagle Paradise is much more than a training ground. We love it for its unexpected encounters, especially the cowries. Seriously, we’ve found Prickly Spotted Drupes and Snakehead Cowries here, tucked into crevices you might otherwise swim right past. The site maxes out at 23 metres, but the best stuff, particularly for macro enthusiasts, sits around the 10-15 metre mark. The reef here isn’t a grand wall, it’s more a collection of scattered blocks and bommies, which makes for some excellent hide-and-seek. Visibility averages 14 metres, which is decent enough for spotting the Blackspot Surgeonfish darting through the water. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just after the sun gets high enough to really illuminate the smaller cracks where those Leopard Cones often lurk. There's a gentle slope, perfect for just drifting along and scanning the sandy patches for Humpbacked Conchs. It’s a comfortable dive, not challenging, and suits anyone who enjoys taking their time to search for the small, interesting things. Keep an eye out for the Peacock-tail Anemone Shrimp – they’re surprisingly common here if you know where to look.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.599800, -70.054100
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Westpunt

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Blue Reef / Debbie II (Wreck)

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Blue Reef / Debbie II (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck dive site?
The Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it accessible for many certified divers looking to explore a fascinating wreck.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck?
Divers at the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life and features. The site is known for huge lobsters, stingrays, and giant barrel sponges in purple, orange, and green. The 120-foot fuel barge, sunk in 1992, attracts schooling fish, barracudas, nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, snapper, angelfish, grunts, anemones, and grouper.
What is the recommended diver experience level or difficulty for the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck?
The recommended diver experience level for the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck is classified as intermediate. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort in open water conditions to fully enjoy the site.
When is the best time to dive the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, there is no specific information about the best time to dive the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in Aruba, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications recommended or required to dive the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally sufficient for similar sites. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck?
The Blue Reef / Debbie II wreck typically offers excellent visibility, averaging around 17 meters. While specific current conditions are not detailed in the provided information, the good visibility allows for clear views of the wreck and its abundant marine life.